Ricardo Camilo NIÑO IZQUIERDO

I am an Arhuaco Indigenous person from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Colombia, a professional in Ecology and with a master's degree in Rural Development. My career has been defined by the tireless defense of life and indigenous territories. As a committed expert in the defense of the rights of the 115 indigenous peoples of Colombia, I have extensive experience in the struggles for environmental justice and land rights. My focus has been on the protection of territories as an imperative for the conservation of life on our planet.

Since 2014, I have served as the Indigenous Technical Secretary for the National Commission of Indigenous Territories (STI-CNTI). I have also coordinated and led all the actions and mission of the Observatory of Territorial Rights of the Indigenous Peoples of STI-CNTI. From there, technical inputs have been provided for the development and implementation of policies aimed at safeguarding land rights. I have also led actions that have significantly contributed to the defense of integral territory, which helps reduce biodiversity loss and the fight against Climate Change.

With a deep knowledge of national and international legislation related to the land rights of indigenous peoples and nature conservation, I have excellent leadership and communication skills, both in national and international settings. I have the ability to engage in dialogue and the exchange of knowledge with different actors, including indigenous organizations and communities, non-governmental organizations, and government entities. My dedication and commitment to defending the land rights of indigenous peoples have driven me to continue working for the protection of indigenous territories and the conservation of biodiversity.